Being There
Runtime
130 min
Original language
English
Country of origin
United States
Type
Movie
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Being There (1979)

American Movie1979Rating 7.6
📌 Available on Prime Video🛡️ Parental guidance PG
📖 Story

A man emerges from the shadows of a dying world into the glare of power and privilege, armed with nothing but television wisdom and genuine innocence. Being There becomes a mirror held up to ambition itself, reflecting back the hollow beauty of a society desperate to find meaning in emptiness. What begins as a simple survival story transforms into an exploration of how authenticity, however accidental, can seduce those who've forgotten what truth looks like. The film's quiet heartbeat reminds us that sometimes the most profound wisdom whispers rather than shouts.

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Watchprint

Chaotic comedy

88
Excellent match
EnergyRising and charged
ToneTense and mysterious
ExperienceRule-breaking fun and mischief
Best suited forviewers who enjoy accessible storytelling
What to expect from this title?Expect a playful comedy that moves on attitude, quick gags, and easy momentum more than emotional depth.
Easy to enter quicklyBuilt for quick funClear and accessible mood
🛡️ Age guidance & viewing advice
PGParental guidance
📌 MPAA
Suitable for family viewing with some guidance.
Runtime
130 min
Original language
English
Country of origin
United States
Type
Movie
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🧭 Ratings Compass

How did major sources rate this title?

This compass summarizes available ratings for Being There from IMDb, Rotten Tomatoes, Metacritic, and TMDB, including vote counts when available, so you can read both the score and its weight.

⭐ 83.4/100📊 4 sources🕒 2026-05-17
IMDb7.9/1081.3K votes79
Rotten Tomatoes95%95
Metacritic83/10083
TMDB7.6/101.1K votes76
📌 Ratings may change as sources update, and the signal does not replace your own viewing opinion.🕒 Last updated: 2026-05-17
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👥 Cast profile

Cast & Crew

Key creators and cast in a compact, organized view.
6 sections
DirectorHal Ashby
WritingJerzy Kosiński
CastPeter SellersShirley MacLaineMelvyn DouglasJack WardenRichard Dysart
ProductionCharles MulvehillJack SchwartzmanAndrew Braunsberg
MusicJohnny MandelJeff WexlerFrank E. Warner
CinematographyCaleb DeschanelNick McLean

Where to watch Being There

Current viewing options based on the best data we have.
Now available through 12 official offers on 1 platform
Availability may vary by country and by subscription, buy, or rent option. If no verified direct link exists, the button will open provider search or the official provider page.
12 official offers🎬 1 platform🌍 May vary by country

Where to Watch

12 platforms available · Prices may vary by country
Availability Snapshot12 offers

Being There is currently listed across official watch options including Prime Video.

Rental starts from 3.49 GBP on Prime Video. Purchase starts from 6.99 USD on Prime Video.

Use the offer cards below to compare providers, countries, rent, buy, and subscription options clearly.

Providers1Lowest rent3.49 GBPLowest buy6.99 USD
Available
Prime Video
12 offers  ·  in 3 countries
Available in
US
USGBAU
Options
RentBuyHDSD
Price / note
Rent from 3.49 GBP
Audio: English, French, Portuguese
Subtitles: Multiple
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🎬 Official videos magazine

Videos for Being There

A compact viewing magazine that gathers the trailer, teasers, and official clips related to this title in one place.
🎞️ 5 videos
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📊 Title-specific financial analysis

Commercial performance analysis

An editorial snapshot using the title’s recorded currency: budget, revenue, commercial gap, and return multiple without forcing USD conversion.

ℹ️Commercial readNot available
💱Analysis currency: USD
ℹ️ Limited data

Commercial data is limited

The available box office information is not enough for a full commercial read.
Quick pulse
Limited data
This section summarizes the available production cost and box office data for the release.
💹 Return multiple: Not available📈 ROI: Not available🧾 Commercial read
💰Budget
Not available
Reported production cost in USD.
🌍Worldwide revenue
$30.2M30.2 million USD
Total reported box office return in USD.
ℹ️Result
Not available
Gap between revenue and budget.
ℹ️Return multiple
Not available
How many times revenue covered the budget.
Financial map
Relative scale inside this section
Budget
Not available
Revenue
$30.2M
Commercial gap
Not available
Not enough data for a full comparison. ROI Not available
This section summarizes the available production cost and box office data for the release. — Not enough data.
Financial data is based on available sources and may be updated when official or newer figures become available.

Cast & crew

Show the rest of the cast
Director: Hal Ashby

❓ FAQ

Short, focused questions that help you decide quickly without repeating details already shown above.
1Where can I watch Being There?
The film is available on Prime Video, where you can subscribe and start watching immediately. The total duration is 130 minutes, making it suitable for viewing in one sitting.
2What is the plot of Being There?
The film tells the story of a simple man who spent his entire life in the garden of an elderly woman's house in Washington, and knew the world only through television. After the house owner's departure, he drifts onto the streets to face a completely new real world.
3Who is the director and main cast of the film?
The film is directed by Hal Ashby and stars Peter Sellers in the lead role, alongside Shirley MacLaine, Melvyn Douglas, Jack Warden, and Richard Dysart. Peter Sellers' performance is considered one of his finest cinematic roles.
4When was Being There released and who is it suitable for?
The film was released in 1979 and cleverly combines comedy with drama. It suits lovers of classic films and satirical works that reflect social reality.
5Is the film suitable for all age groups?
The film is a comedy-drama directed at adults and contains content that may not be suitable for young children. It is recommended for teenagers and adults who appreciate intelligent satire and social commentary.

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Ratings compass83.4/100
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